Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition in which the fatty insulation around nerves, called myelin, degenerates into scar tissue. This occurs in the Central Nervous System (CNS) and disrupts communication between the brain and body, leading to a wide range of symptoms. Since 1991, the diagnosis of MS in women has increased by 50%, and it is now the second leading cause of disability in young adults. The exact cause of MS remains unknown.
Neck Injuries and MS
Research by Raymond Damadian, founder of MRI technology, studied eight patients with MS and found that seven had histories of neck injuries. The onset of MS symptoms occurred up to eight years after these traumas.
All patients exhibited abnormalities in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) flow on MRI, with blockages in the cervical spine. Abnormal CSF flow can increase intracranial pressure, causing CSF to leak around the brain. CSF contains antigenic proteins, such as tau proteins, which may trigger the autoimmune response responsible for the demyelination of axons seen in MS. Patients without these cervical conditions had normal CSF flow.
Reduced CSF flow is often referred to as Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) and is theorized to be a significant contributing factor in MS.
Upper Cervical Misalignment and MS
The relationship between the neck, brain, and overall body function is complex. Studies indicate that MS and CCSVI may be related to misalignment of the C1 (Atlas) vertebra. In a 2004 retrospective analysis of 44 patients with MS, upper cervical subluxations were identified via X-ray and corrected as needed. Results showed not only a reduction in MS symptoms but also halted progression in 91% of cases.
References
- Noonan CW, Kathman SJ, White MC. Prevalence estimates for MS in the United States and evidence of an increasing trend for women. Neurology 2002;58:1:136-138.
- Rubin S. Management of multiple sclerosis: an overview. DM;59:7:253-260.
- Damadian RV, Chu D. The possible role of cranio-cervical trauma and abnormal CSF hydrodynamics in the genesis of multiple Sclerosis. Physiol Chem Phys. 2011;41:1-17.
- Weinstock-Guttman B., Ramanathan M., Marr K, et al. (2012) Clinical correlates of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency in multiple sclerosis. BMC Neurology, 12(26), pp.1-6.
- Mandolesi S, Marceca G, Conicello S, Harris E. Upper cervical vertebral subluxation in multiple sclerosis with chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency: a pilot study. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2013;3:65-70.
- Elster EL. Eighty-one patients with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease undergoing upper cervical chiropractic care to correct vertebral subluxation: a retrospective analysis. J Vertebr Sublux Res. 2004;2:1-9.
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Dr. Craig Lapenski at Advanced Spinal Care, in Graham, Washington is one of 27 Board Certified NUCCA Doctors worldwide. His clinic serves the highest quality upper cervical care in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Lapenski also serves a number of patients who are out of state including Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, New York, and more! He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines, headaches, fibromyalgia, vertigo, neck pain, back pain, and more. More information can be found on our website at https://www.nuccawashington.com/